| Shortflatt Tower is one of the best surviving examples of a Northumbrian manor house. The earliest reference to a building on the site dates to 1305 when permission was granted to build battlements at the site. The only part of the building to date this early is a small turret in the north-east corner of the main house. It was probably once part of a two-storey stone house. The main living rooms would have been on the first floor with the ground floor used as store rooms and for housing animals. The tower was probably built in the later 15th century. It measures 13.7m by 9.7m and is three storeys high. The main house, with the exception of the turret and short section of wall, was rebuilt early in the 17th century. Finally, at some time possibly the 18th century two wings containing a kitchen and store rooms was added to the rear of the house. This is a Grade I Listed Building protected by law. See also:
Source of Reference
Local History of Belsay
Location of this site on a map, with option to view historical maps. Please note this link will open a new window. To return to this page please close the new window.
The Past Perfect web site for an example of a medieval castle (Wark). | 
Shortflatt Tower. Photo by Peter Ryder.
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